How Many Hours Should I Book My Wedding Photographer For?

Fireworks - Wedding

How many hours do I need a wedding photographer for?One of our most frequently asked questions is: How long should I book my wedding photographer for? This is a great question, and I'm here to help you find the answer.

What do you want your wedding photographer to cover?

First, you need to decide what important details you want your wedding photographer to cover. Do you want a lot of getting ready photographs prior to the ceremony? Do you want me to stay for the entire reception? These details will affect the length of time you need me there. If you want me to stay until your reception exit, and you want a lot of candid, getting ready photographs, you need full day coverage. On the other hand, if you just want a few getting ready photographs, that will knock off some time. If you want me to stay for just the main events in the reception and not until the last guest leaves, then this shortens the day. When you decide on a start and/or end time, this is the first step to booking your package.

Ceremony Length

Next, you need to consider the ceremony length. For a Catholic wedding, the ceremonies tend to be longer, so you need to allow more time. If you want me to cover you getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception, I suggest 10 hours for Catholic weddings. If you have a shorter ceremony, you won’t need to take out as much time from your schedule. 

Location Transfer

Now let’s talk about location. If you have a shorter ceremony and your reception is at the same venue as your ceremony, then you won’t need as much time because you can take out travel time. I estimate something like this would be good for six to eight hours, depending on the formal photos. On that same note, if your reception is at a different venue, you need to include travel time into your schedule. Also incorporate the amount of time it takes to pack up all of your stuff to take to the reception. If you are going to take photos along the drive to the reception, should add more time for that as well.

How efficient is my wedding photographer at formal photographs?

For formal photos, you have to consider how many people are in your bridal party, and how many people are in your family photos. If you have a small bridal party and a small number of family members having photos done, (and you’re at the same location the whole time), then six hours will suffice. If you have a larger family or bridal party, you may need closer to eight hours.

Do I want my wedding photographer for a special exit?

If you’re doing a special exit from the reception, like a sparkler exit, you want full day coverage.Some weddings can be covered in just four hours. If you’re having a backyard wedding or a courthouse wedding where your reception is short (for example, no dancing, etc.) and maybe just like a sit down dinner at a restaurant, then this could all be covered in four hours time.Ready for more information? Contact one of St. Louis' best wedding photographers.

FAQ: How Many Hours Should I Book My Wedding Photographer For?

Q: What factors determine how many hours I need a wedding photographer? A: Several factors affect coverage time: how much getting ready photography you want, whether you want reception coverage until the end, your ceremony length, whether you're traveling between venues, the size of your bridal party and family for formal photos, and if you're planning a special exit like sparklers.

Q: How many hours do I need for a Catholic wedding? A: For Catholic weddings, which tend to have longer ceremonies, I suggest 10 hours of coverage if you want getting ready photos, the ceremony, and reception coverage.

Q: What if my ceremony and reception are at the same venue? A: If you have a shorter ceremony and your reception is at the same venue, you won't need as much time since there's no travel. Six to eight hours typically works well for same-venue weddings, depending on the number of formal photos needed.

Q: Do I need extra time if I'm traveling between venues? A: Yes! If your reception is at a different venue, you need to include travel time in your schedule. Also factor in time to pack up and transport everything. If you want photos taken along the way, add even more time.

Q: How does bridal party and family size affect coverage time? A: If you have a small bridal party and fewer family members for formal photos (and you're at the same location), six hours may suffice. Larger families or bridal parties may need closer to eight hours to ensure relaxed, quality portraits.

Q: When do I need full day coverage? A: You'll want full day coverage if you want extensive getting ready photographs, reception coverage until the last guest leaves, or a special exit like a sparkler send-off.

Q: Can a wedding be covered in just four hours? A: Yes! Smaller celebrations like backyard weddings, courthouse weddings, or intimate events with a short reception (no dancing, just a sit-down dinner) can often be covered in about four hours.

Learn more about all my wedding photography at https://www.mdkauffmann.com